Dust Storm — Central Deserts, Arizona

2017-07-15 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Afternoon thunderstorms developed to the southeast of Phoenix on July 15th and some of the stronger storms produced gusty outflow winds in excess of 40 mph. The strong winds moved across the lower deserts of northwest Pinal County and stirred up areas of dense blowing dust; visibilities fell to one quarter mile or lower in dust storm conditions. According to a NWS employee, at 1725MST visibility fell to one quarter mile in dust near Signal Butte and Ocotillo roads, about 2 miles northeast of Queen Creek. Additionally, at 1737MST a NWS employee reported visibility at 200 yards in the town of Eloy, 5 miles northeast of Arizona City. A Dust Storm Warning was issued for the area starting at 1739MST and it remained in effect until almost 2000MST.

Wider weather episode

Scattered monsoon thunderstorms developed during the afternoon hours across portions of south-central Arizona, and they persisted into the evening hours bringing typical convective weather hazards to the lower deserts. Some locations, such as the west Phoenix, received damaging winds over 50 mph, blowing down trees in communities such as Peoria and Youngtown. A large tree blown down in Wickenburg fell across and blocked a roadway. Wind gusts to 60 mph damaged shingles in the town of Surprise. The gusty outflow winds created dust storm conditions southeast of Phoenix, as visibility dropped to near 200 yards near the town of Eloy during the late afternoon hours. Additionally, some storms produced heavy rain which led to evening flash flooding near Wickenburg; the Sols Wash was closed at the Vulture Mine Road due to flash flooding. Numerous products were issued, such as Dust Storm, Flash Flood, and Severe Thunderstorm warnings as a result of the active convective weather.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 708343. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.